NEWTON — Following a courageous battle with cancer Valetta Stroble went on to be with the Lord Jan. 4. She was surrounded by her five children at her passing. Born March 9, 1934, in Larned, she was the daughter of John and Mary Penka. In 1954, she was married at the age of 20 to the love of her life, Bob Stroble. To this happy union were born five children, two daughters, Jan Plummer of Newton and Julie Taylor of Joplin Mo., and three sons John Stroble of Edmond Okla., Bob Stroble of Manhattan and Wade Stroble of Newton. Bob and Valetta moved to Newton in 1965, and raised their five children. Valetta was a long time employee of Dillon’s Market and a keeper of home. Valetta’s husband Bob passed away six years ago and her brother Norman Penka preceded her in death, but her family continued to grow. She had 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She loved being around all of the babies, she said “they made her feel young.”
Valetta leaves two sisters, Cleta Jackson of Wichita and Jo Penka of Wichita; and two brothers Al Penka in Lancaster Calif. and Don Penka of Great Bend.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday with burial immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newton. Visitation will be held on from 5 to 9 p.m. today, with family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Memorial are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice. www.Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements provided by
Peterson Funeral Family Funeral Home**
215 N. Main
Newton, KS 67114
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Jan. 6, 2015